A buddy of mine has a 2000 tj with a 2.5 and 5 speed. He says that when he down-shifts from 5th to 4th he get this burning oil smell for just a seconed. Any Ideas?

just for the heck of it, check your PCV dooflitchie tube that goes into the air cleaner.... make sure it isn't toe up.... Otherwise, mmm, no clue, haven't run into that one before....

I suspect your friend is down-shifting too early, resulting in excessive engine rpm's when he lets the clutch out to engauge fourth gear. Oil leaks out of the valve cover when rpm's are above 4000 in the 4L, I assume the same sort of thing happens with the 2.5 L engine.

Fred, I don't think one can downshift into 4th gear too early unless they are running the wrong gears in the diffs (I don't think 2.5's can go too fast in 4th as far as engine rpm goes). I do agree it's most likely an engine oil leak though. It sounds pretty odd. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, you're probably right; probably what I experienced was more likely from 4th to 3rd gear. No experience with 4 cyl engines, but aren't these 4 cyl engines high rev'ers compared to the 4L? Thanks, Jeepete. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

I do believe they are made to rev higher than sixes. I also have very little experience with the 2.5 L Jeep engine. The only 4yl I've ridden in recently is a 4 speed but 4th gear is 1:1 in a 4 or a 5 speed, over revving in 4th is impossible in my buddy's Jeep! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Burning oil smell is a new one on me... I did, however, once smell burning hair at a womens track meet.
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
...as i climb back on my chair.
Josh

Jeepete, I'll ocassionally get the rpm's in excess of 4K climbing the mountain slope on both the east and west portals of the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70. I really made a mistake purchasing the '05 Unlimited with an automatic transmission; the tranny will shift to lower gears as the grade changes during the long steep climbs. When the tranny shifts down, probably from third to second, the rpm's will seriously jump to just under 5000 rpm's! It's a constant battle during the long climb to find a throttle position that will keep the engine rpm's over 2000 and under 3000 rpm's, and almost impossible to maintain the required minimum interstate speed. Checking the engine after these climbs where the engine rpm's exceeded 4000 rpm's, I found engine oil leaked out onto the valve cover at the top fittings.
Nowdays, I simply attempt to get a good run at the slope and then move over to the right with the tractor-trailer rigs with the flashing low speed warning lights! This automatic tranny is a major inconvenience in the mountains! Are you sure there ain't no way to increase the 4L's horsepower? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Fred... Yes there is a way. You prolly won't like the price. What you need is more AIR.. A belt driven or exhaust driven supercharger will put the needed air into your cylinders and give you the grunt you are looking for.
Put one on and get back here with the climbing results.. I'd like to be there for your first ride up that hill, I can see your smile now!
Big JIm <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />